INTERMARRIAGES WITH THE NATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3091, 7 May 1892, Page 2 (Supplement)

INTERMARRIAGES WITH THE NATIVES.

We (Wellington Press) have had access to certain private documents, prepared by one of the highest authorities in tho colony 0:1 the subject of tho decadence or otherwise of tho Maori race, from which we extract tho following as of special interest now tho sickness is experienced among tho Nordi Island natives. Fever and pulmonary complaints are prevalent among them. Tho communistic habits of tho natives, too, are against their advance as a people. Instances have been known, however, where the Maori has freed himself from the customs of bis people, and occupied his own run or farm with success. The half-caste is more inclined to follow the European in this respect. There are extremely few cases of the union of Maori males with European females, which have coma under observation, and tho parents have not always been good specimens, more particularly in tho case of tho female, so that it would bo impossible, from tho evidence of their children, to form a reliable opinion as to the general characteristics . of tho progeny of unions between average individuals of each raco. It would bo interesting to follow tho history of such unions, with a view to ascertain what particular differences there would bo ,if any) between the half-cast* children of Maoi'i fathers and European mothers, because if it be true that children derive their brain power principally from their father, and in a less degree from their mother, it might bo inferred that the children who received such an impress from a -parent as tho average Maori man, would be more docile, tractable, and of a more trustworthy character than tho children of European males and Maori females, but not possessing thoir vigour and dash. In other respects their constitution would bo the same, and as they would not bo subject to tho wear and tear of the other half-castes tlioy would have less call upon their pvstems. It should, however, be borne in mind that the European mother, if she wore a good mother, would bring up her children better, giving them better food and more careful attention than the Maori woman could do in early life. Supposing the conditions of a comfortable home, food, etc., were equal, such children should have a good start in tho race for life, with a fair prospect for a long life too.